Indigofera is one of those “once you notice it, you see it everywhere” genera – an immense, cosmopolitan group of legumes, placed in the Fabaceae family, found across the warmer parts of the world, from dry slopes and rocky ridges to grasslands, coastal systems, and woodland edges. Depending on the species, Indigofera can be a tiny, ground-hugging mat, a wiry perennial with delicate leaflets, or a tougher shrublet built for sun, wind, and poor soils.

For gardeners and collectors, the appeal is irresistible: finely pinnate foliage with an elegant, fern-like texture, and pea-flowers that arrive like little jewels – often in pinks, reds, rosy–magenta, purples, lilacs, or soft bicolours – either sprinkled along the stems or packed into lively racemes. The name itself hints at its heritage: “Indigofera” literally means “bearing indigo,” a nod to the famous dye history within the group.

Many Indigofera species are also classic “tough-love” plants – adaptable, sun-friendly, and well-suited to naturalistic planting, rock gardens, restoration-style beds, and biodiversity-focused spaces. And because they’re legumes, they’re often associated with beneficial root symbioses that help plants cope in lean soils – great news for low-input gardens and wild-style landscapes.

Indigofera charlieriana var. lata

Indigofera charlieriana var. lata stands out for its broader, more substantial leaflets while keeping the same graceful Indigofera character. It forms a lightly woody, upright shrublet with longer leaves and rich rusty orange flowers that sit neatly against the foliage for a bold but elegant effect.

This species occurs in the Northern Cape north of the Orange River. It is also found in Botswana and Namibia. This variety suits open, sunny landscapes where it can form small colonies among grasses and low scrub. It’s an excellent pick for gardeners who want a slightly “fuller” look than the typical fine-leaved forms, while still keeping that wild, species-grown authenticity.

Sow in a free-draining mix, keep warm and lightly moist to start, then grow on in strong light with good airflow. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and happiest in lean, mineral soils. Check out our online seed store, buy now, and discover our massive range – Seeds and All offers combined South African and International shipping.